PROGRAMS

How We Use Funds

Innovation Grants

The Gresham-Barlow Education Foundation’s mission, “Bringing Great Things to the Classroom” is fulfilled through the Innovation Grant process.

Every year, educators in the district apply for funding for a variety of creative projects, innovative instructional methods, and state of the art technology to enrich classrooms and boost student success. Innovation Grants put the tools of exploration, imagination, and creativity into the hands of students. Grant funding for the past two years has topped $35,000.

2017 grant awards included Chromebooks, iPads, science and art technology, student-centered curriculum for reading, math and science. These grants will help students learn in new and engaging ways.

Here are the 2017 Innovation Grant recipients:

Natalie Wolf, Kelly Creek $2392 for 8 iPads to be used with 2016 Innovation Grant for Wonder Workshop robots.Elizabeth Rossmiller, Kelly Creek $920 for flexible seating for use in technology-rich 3rd grade classroom.Jennifer Carvajal, Kelly Creek $241 for reading QR codes for digital access to read aloud book titles in the classroom.Myranda Doering, Kelly Creek $690 for BrainPOP for three 5th grade classrooms.Shara Nagel, Clear Creek Middle School $1162 for Math Manipulatives to align with Ready Math curriculum.Tom Erickson, Clear Creek Middle School $93 for Automata Books to be used in STEAM classrooms to add artistic skills to current curriculum.Shannon Murdock, Hollydale Elementary $2451 for LEGO Machines & Mechanisms for classroom science instruction in 3rd & 4th grade.Kelly Deatherage, Deep Creek Damascus $350 for short high interest novels with contemporary themes for middle-school students reading below grade levelBrad Cook, Gresham High School $610 for Graphics Art Monitor for GHS’ Graphic Design classroomRobert Winters, Gresham High School $1687 for science probes and monitorsCrystel Weber, Gresham High School $2250 for 10 ChromebooksKarissa Slack, Gresham High School $2274 for 6 iPad minisOlivia Green, Gresham High School $2396 for graphing calculatorsLisa Cavanagh, Gresham High School $280 for dry-erase boards for student useDaniel Burroughs, Structured Skills Center $900 for iPadsKaren Long, North Gresham $1000 for Mystery Science curriculum

Grant Guidelines

Grant requests should not exceed $2,500.

Applications should be completed from the online application here.

Applications will be accepted beginning at 9 am on March 5.

Purchases cannot be made until after July 1, 2018

2018 Dates to Remember

Innovation Grant process begins at 9 am on March 5

Closing date for submissions is 9 am on April 3

Principals rank and submit requests by April 13

Innovation Grant Selection Committee will complete review by April 27

Awarded grants will be announced by May 18

Purchases cannot be made until after July 1

Funds must be expended by October 31, 2018. If not expended by that date, the funds will be returned to the GBEF for other purposes unless an extension is granted.

Project Types

The GBEF funds projects that are innovative, engaging, and enhance learning, exploring and imagination including apps and extensions providing enrichment or learning practice.

Projects that benefit more than a few students.

Projects that include a ticket number/approval from our Tech Department if a download or technology is required.

Projects that have the approval of the school district if you are requesting general or intervention curriculum resources.

Projects that do not include funding for salaries (including bus drivers and substitute teachers).

Projects that do not request funding for food, event, clothing, or contest prizes.

Projects that do not request funding for standard classroom materials such as art supplies, PE equipment, or textbooks

Myranda Doering

Kelly Creek Elementary

Shannon Murdock, Hollydale Elementary School

GBEF Searches for Outside Funders

The GBEF received $10,000 to fund adaptive PE classes at Barlow High School from the Trail Blazer Foundation in partnership with Nike. Barlow High School teacher Katie Zimmerman originally applied for a 2016 Innovation Grant, but limited funding prevented the GBEF from granting her request. But the GBEF researched other funding options and applied on Katie’s behalf to the Trail Blazer Foundation and was notified that Katie’s grant was one of 17 selected for funding. Katie’s adaptive PE class will now be infused with colorful, innovative, fun equipment that will allow special needs students to participate in activities like golf, yoga, basketball and baseball.

The Go4Bots at Gresham High School received $1440 from the Daimler Trucks North America to help the team compete in robotics competitions in Oregon. Teacher Stephen Scannell requested funding from the GBEF Innovation Grants, but his grant was not selected for funding. Together with the GBEF, Stephen was able to complete the Daimler application and was awarded funding that will allow his robotics team to compete in the ORTOP FIRST Tech Challenge.

Gresham-Barlow Education Foundation supports educational excellence in the district by funding programs not included in the district's operating budget. The Gresham-Barlow Education Foundation promotes educational excellence by achievement in basic competencies in science, math, reading and writing. Gresham-Barlow Education Foundation is the only district-wide group that supports all 18 schools within the Gresham-Barlow School District.